Idman.biz
Tomorrow, "Qarabag"'s opponent in the play-off stage will be known. It will be either France's PSG club or England's "Newcastle".
Continuing the Eurocup campaign, Idman.Biz has analyzed some statistical indicators related to the performance of the team led by Gurban Gurbanov in the current season.
Looking at the figures provided by UEFA, interesting trends emerge in the game of the Azerbaijani champion. Thus, the average ball possession percentage is 48%, and the accuracy of passes is 83%. Considering "Qarabag"'s fairly good productivity, goal indicators are also important. The team scores an average of 1.63 goals per game, but the conceded goals indicator is higher - 2.63. According to statistics, the club creates only two real goal situations in each game. These figures show that Aghdam residents actively create attack opportunities and perform close to a balanced game between attack and defense.
Speaking of the matches played, the 3:2 away victory over Benfica was of great importance. This result seemed to set the tone for the entire campaign, and the 2:0 victory over Copenhagen in the second round strengthened the team's fighting status in the European arena. These matches were an important signal: the Azerbaijani representative is capable of defeating strong European league clubs in the Champions League and can claim bigger goals. A 2:2 draw with Chelsea and a 3:2 victory over Eintracht were further confirmation of this.
Thus, the statistical features of Aghdam residents before the play-off stage are as follows: balance of attack and defense, high productivity in the qualifying stage (2.5 goals per game), but a somewhat weak defense in the group stage (2.63 goals conceded per game).
In addition, there is also initiative in terms of ball possession. Even against strong opponents, "Qarabag" controls the ball for almost half of the time, which shows that the team wants to play actively, not "sit" in defense. In addition, there is a winning psychology formed from the victories, which creates team spirit and confidence. This factor is not measured by numbers, but can have a significant impact on play-off games.
As we mentioned above, in the play-off matches, the Azerbaijani champion will face either PSG or "Newcastle". If the draw determines a match with the winner of the current tournament, it will be necessary to play without ball possession against the French. PSG is dominant due to individual skill, is very dangerous in inter-line gaps and clearly does not like its tempo, rhythm being disrupted by a lower-level opponent. "Qarabag" cannot play open football against PSG - this is the road to defeat.
If the opponent is "Newcastle", it will be important not to lose the fight and the rhythm of the game. The English club is not technical, but rather strong in terms of physicality and tempo, suffocates with high pressure and is dangerous on second balls. It is pointless to simply "sit" in defense against him - he will squeeze through.
However, regardless of who the draw pits them against, one thing is beyond doubt: "Qarabag" will give fans an interesting football spectacle. It can't be otherwise.
